Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is the third-largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Vadodara district and is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, 141 kilometres from the state capital of Gandhinagar. The railway line and National Highway 8, which connect Delhi with Mumbai, pass through Vadodara. The city is named for its abundance of the Banyan tree. Vadodara is also locally referred to as the Sanskari Nagari and Kala Nagari of India.
The city is prominent for landmarks such as the Laxmi Vilas Palace, which served as the residence of the Maratha royal Gaekwad dynasty, a that ruled over Baroda State. It is also the home of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.